Hot Days, Cool Nights

158 pleasures for your 13 weeks of summer

HOT SPOTS
Feel like a kid again with your family at your side.

This summer, find your inner child while spending time at Wichita’s many attractions. From an evening with the animals to riding a rollercoaster, there’s plenty of family fun around ’Ta-Town.

A Roarin’ Good Time
The penguin exhibit’s grand opening isn’t the only exciting event happening at the Sedgwick County Zoo (316-942-3781, scz.com) this summer. On Twilight Tuesdays, the zoo stays open until 8:30 p.m., so you can stroll past the animals after work. And after taking in the zoo’s sights and sounds, the summer concert series lets you hear music mixed with roars on two Thursdays per month at 7:30 p.m. Finally, don’t miss Zoobilee, the zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year, on September 9 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Natural Relaxation
Relieve your tension the natural way at Botanica (316-264-0448). During Tuesdays on the Terrace, spend sunset sipping a drink and listening to soft music while surrounded by Mother Nature. And once a month, Botanica cranks up the tunes during Concerts in the Garden. Visit Botanica’s website, botanica.org, for dates and details.

Wild West Amusement
In case you haven’t seen the 40-foot waving cowboy sign on I-135 or heard the hype, Wild West World (316-425-7000, wildwestworld.net) plans to open May 5. Billed as Kansas’ first major theme park, the attraction features 24 Western-themed rides, Chinese acrobats and plenty of games and food. If you plan to visit the park more than twice this summer, a season pass ($50) can help you save.

Go Back in Time
Old Cowtown (316-660-1871, oldcowtown.org) brings the old West to life during three big summer events. First, the Women of the West Festival (June 23–24) celebrates the courageous and sometimes outrageous females who made their mark on the Western frontier. Then, the Rails & Trails Festival (July 28–29) commemorates the cattle drives and railroads that shaped Wichita. Finally, the Age of the Gunfighter Festival (September 1–2), stages gunfight reenactments and shooting demos.

One Last Swing At the Ballpark
During the Wichita Wranglers’ (316-267-3372, wichitawranglers.com) last season in Wichita, fans can vote for their favorite players and coaches from the Wranglers’ 17 seasons in Wichita (pros Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran are sure to make the list). The All-Time Wranglers Team will be unveiled July 14. Be sure to check the Wranglers’ website, wichitawranglers.com, or a myriad of promotions all season long.


SPLISH SPLASH

Want to get wet, but don’t feel like going to the lake? After Memorial Day, hit a local water park with the kids.

Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park (316-788-7665, rockriverrapids.com) in Derby features six slides, a lazy river, play stations, water cannons, diving boards and a lap pool. A season pass is $55, or pay daily admission ($5 kids; $6 adults).

Why drive far when there’s plenty of entertainment at the local YMCA (316-264-4066, ymcawichita.com)? The North Branch has a wave pool that goes off every 15 minutes. At the Northwest Branch, there’s a plunge slide, tube slide, lazy river and water basketball. This June, the South Branch plans to open its own outdoor water park, with plenty of slides and a diving pool.

McPherson Water Park (620-245-2578, mcphersonwaterpark.com), located almost an hour north in McPherson, boasts a 500-foot lazy river, a giant water slide and a splash area for kids.

Regardless of the weather, it’s always swim time at the arena-sized Bear Track Landing at Great Wolf Lodge (1-800-608-9653, greatwolf.com). The water park features eight waterslides, three pools, a lazy river and a four-story tree house water fort that periodically dumps a 1,000-gallon bucket of water. There’s also an arcade, Elements Family Spa and themed dining at Camp Critter Bar & Grille. Make a weekend of it by staying overnight, and ask about specially-priced packages.


GET FESTIVE
Join in on the festival fun around Wichita.

Are you ready for Wichita’s biggest annual celebration? This year’s Wichita River Festival offers everything from a performance by former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry to the annual antique tub races. There are dozens of fun events jam-packed into nine days—all for a $5 button (available at local retailers). Here’s a rundown of Riverfest’s must-hit events. For the complete schedule, check out wichitariverfestival.com.

River Festival Rundown
>> Friday, May 11
6:30 p.m. — AT&T Sundown Parade Don’t miss the day the ducks come to town with this year’s parade theme—Flock to the Fest. Find a spot and relax while floats, marching bands, clowns and inflatables weave through downtown.
8:30 p.m. — AT&T Opening Night Concert & Fireworks (West Bank Stage) Daughtry, former “American Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry’s band, performs before the first night comes to a close with fireworks on the river.


>> Saturday, May 12
8a.m.-Noon — Bank of America River Run (Starting at Douglas & Broadway) Contestants vie for position in Kansas’ largest road race. The 10k run starts at 8 a.m. A 2-mile run and wheelchair race follows. Afterward, the awards ceremony will be held on Douglas Street Bridge at 11 a.m. On race day, entries cost $25 for adults or $17 for kids.
8:30-11:30 a.m. — Admirals’ Pancake Feed (Deck of the Garvey Center) Try to catch your breakfast in mid-air as Jim Hatton, this year’s Admiral Windwagon Smith, flings hot cakes into the audience.
1-6:30 p.m. — Purina Incredible Dog Challenge (525 W. Douglas) World records are at stake as America’s finest canine athletes compete in Olympic-style events, including flying disc, hurdles and dog diving.
6 p.m. — The Guess Who, John Kay & Steppenwolf (West Bank Stage) The Guess Who kicks the night’s music off with such rock hits as “These Eyes,” “American Woman” and “No Time.” Then, Steppenwolf will perform hits like “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.”

>> Sunday, May 13
6:30 p.m. — Little River Band (West Bank Stage) Little River Band, the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base, performs their top hit singles, including “Reminiscing” and “Lady.”

>> Monday, May 14
11:30 a.m. — 2nd Annual Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (Willowbend Golf Club) Entry includes green fees, golf cart, beverages, lunch and a Riverfest button. The awards ceremony immediately follows the tournament. For more information, call 316-267-2817.
7:30 p.m. — Vanessa Bell Armstrong (Kennedy Plaza Stage) Gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong brings her R&B stylings to Wichita with such hits as “Nobody but Jesus” and “Peace Be Still.”
8 p.m. — Evening of Opera (Century II, Mary Jane Teall Theater) Join Opera Kansas for “A Most Ingenious Paradox; the Topsy-Turvy World of Gilbert and Sullivan.” The parody turns Victorian society upside down. Free with your Riverfest button.

>> Tuesday, May 15
7-9 p.m. — Festival of Broadway (Kennedy Plaza Stage) Music Theatre of Wichita performs “High School Musical,” the new stage version of the popular film. Then, more than 100 locals perform with theatre guest stars in a 90-minute tribute to the upcoming season. The tribute includes songs from “Cats,” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” “Damn Yankees,” and “Hairspray.”

>> Wednesday, May 16
5-9 p.m. — Wild Wild Wednesday
(Kennedy Plaza; A. Price Woodard Park) The Old West comes to downtown Wichita. Step back in time and enjoy foot-stomping country music, a petting zoo and pony rides for children. There’s even a rodeo from 5-9 p.m. near Century II.
7:45 p.m.-9 p.m. — Craig Morgan
 (Kennedy Plaza Stage) Country star Craig Morgan performs such hits as “I Got You,” “Redneck Yacht Club” and “Almost Home.”

>> Thursday, May 17
8-9:30 p.m. — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Kennedy Plaza Stage) This band space really knows how to swing. They helped kick off the ’90s swing revival with hits such as “Go Daddy-O” and “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three Tonight.”

>> Friday, May 18
5-9:30 p.m. — AT&T Block Party (Douglas Avenue at Century II) This year’s block party includes four stages with tunes from oldies, rock, swing and other music around downtown. The Kansas State Arm Wrestling Competition starts at 6 p.m. at the Library Stage. Then, grab a microphone and sing your heart out during karaoke at the same stage from 7:30 – 9:15 p.m.
8:30 p.m. — Chubby Checker
(Kennedy Plaza Stage) Chubby Checker, the “King of the Twist,” keeps Wichitans moving after first popping up on the charts 48 years ago. He’ll perform such notable hits as “The Hucklebuck”, “The Mess Around” and the classic “Let’s Twist Again.”
9:45 p.m. — Keeper of the Plains/River Corridor Dedication (Banks of the Arkansas River) The grand unveiling, lighting of the bridges, fire pots and fireworks will set the stage for the dedication and festivities surrounding the opening of the River Corridor project and Keeper of the Plains Plaza.

>> Saturday, May 19
9-11 a.m. — Via Christi Walkfest (Start at the Murdock Street Bridge) Stretch out and get ready for a light stroll. The 2.5-mile and 5-mile walks will take place in Central and North Riverside parks from 9-11 a.m.
11-4 p.m. — Russian American Kids Circus (Century II Convention Hall) This circus is all about the kids. Watch professional circus stars from ages 4-16 perform amazing feats, including soaring acrobatics, synchronized unicycling, black-light juggling, clowning and precision balancing.
2-4 p.m. — Aeroflex Antique Bathtub ­Races (Big Arkansas River) The annual bathtub races are a Riverfest tradition. Spend the afternoon on the river banks watching customized tubs compete.
8:30 p.m. — Koch Industries Twilight Pops Concert (Kennedy Plaza) One of the most popular events at Riverfest, this concert typically attracts more than 100,000 people to the river for a breathtaking fireworks display afterwards. Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin joins the Wichita Symphony for a special concert.
9:45-10:45 p.m. — Capitol Federal Fireworks As usual, Riverfest goes out with a bang. The Twilight Pops Concert will be choreographed with this year’s final night fireworks spectacular. Bring your radio, find a spot on the river banks and tune to 100.5 FM for a live simulcast of the concert.


FLIGHTS & FIESTAS
Riverfest gets so much attention that it’s easy to forget there are other great festivals around ’Ta-Town during the summer. Here are just two of the best:

Cinco De Mayo Celebration
From May 4–7, there will be a fiesta in Old Town during the Cinco de Mayo Celebration (316-640-7227). The area will fill with bands, dancers, arts and crafts and food vendors.

Flight Festival
It’s only fitting that the Air Capitol of the World holds its own, massive air show every summer. This year’s Flight Festival (Col. James Jabara Airport, 3512 N. Webb Rd., wichitafestivals.com), Aug. 24–26, promises just as much excitement as ever. There’s sure to be breathtaking aerial performances, great music, hundreds of planes on display and the Fly Market, an aviation enthusiast’s shopping paradise.

HIT THE ROAD
So maybe the crowds at Riverfest are too much for you. Not to worry. There are plenty of other great festivals in nearby towns.

Sunflower Balloon Fest — May 11–13
(Anthony) Hot air balloons fill the sky above Anthony Airport on Mother’s Day weekend. Other sights: skydivers, a parade, a dance contest and a car show in downtown Anthony. To schedule a balloon ride, call 620-842-5456 or visit sunflowerballoonfest.com for more details.

Smoky Hill River Festival — June 7–10
(Salina) Among the highlights: two highly acclaimed art and craft shows, 16 bands in a four-hour block and the second year of “Art Cars,” a parade of wackily-decorated automobiles. Visit riverfestival.com to learn more.

Midsummer’s Day — June 16
(Lindsborg) Commonly known as Little Sweden, Lindsborg’s Midsummer’s Day has Swedish folk music and dancers, a smörgåsbord, a maypole, Blomkrans (Swedish flower crowns) and Swedish food. For more details, visit littleswedenusa.com or call 1-888-227-2227.


LAKE IT A LOT
From boating to the beach, local lakes offer plenty of fun in the sun.

Liquid fun is never too far away on a hot summer day. Whether you want to swim, sail, ski or fish, these lakes offer it all.

El Dorado Lake
The most heavily used state park in Kansas is popular for a reason. El Dorado Lake offers something for everyone. Families can pitch a tent at one of the lake’s 1,100 campsites, swim at two beaches, hike on nearby winding trails or catch a concert at Walnut Hollow Amphitheater. Fishermen can expect prime bass fishing. And there’s even sailing, with the members-only Walnut Valley Sailing Club (316-778-1056) boasting 85 slips on the water and a floating clubhouse.

Lake Cheney
It’s no secret that Lake Cheney offers some of the best sailing in the nation. The Ninnescah Sailing Organization (316-722-5201) offers pointers to newcomers, and sponsors area-wide regattas and club races. But the state’s fifth-largest lake has more than just great sailing. Cheney has four beaches, hiking trails, campgrounds and two marinas.

Lake Afton
You’ll find boating, swimming, fishing, waterskiing and camping only 25 miles southwest of Wichita on Lake Afton. While the 258-acre lake might be smaller than other lakes, it offers plenty of activities. The park is the site of go-kart races, drag boat races and jet ski races. The nearby Lake Afton Observatory (316-978-3191) is also a great place to stop and see the stars after a long weekend day in the sun.

Fall River Lake
The scenic beauty of Fall River State Park beckons any nature enthusiast. The 2,500-acre lake is a mile wide at the Fall River Dam and stretches up the river for 15 miles. Bird-watchers can see more than 400 species of birds at the lake. Fishermen can catch bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye and flathead. A park naturalist is available during the summer to help visitors learn about the native wildlife. Vehicle permits are $7 per day. To learn more, call 620-637-2213.

Branson
Branson might be a bit farther than the lakes of Kansas, but it’s well worth the drive. Table Rock Lake offers ideal largemouth bass fishing when the water reaches 60 degrees. Not to be outdone, promoters bill nearby Lake Taneycomo as the Midwest’s “premier” lake for rainbow trout fishing. And Bull Shoals Lake in northern Arkansas is a popular spot for nighttime fishing. It’s the perfect way to unwind and get away from Branson’s bright lights and crowded Hwy. 76. For details, contact the Branson Chamber at 417-334-4084 or visit bransonchamber.com.


ONE-STOP DOCKS

Snyder’s Marina
Located on the eastern shore of Cheney Lake, Snyder’s Marina (9912 South Titan Road, Cheney, 316-542-0163) is a one-stop shop for snacks, fuel, permits and even mechanical services. If you want to tie up your boat and stay a while, uncovered slips are available for $8 per day. Pontoon boats rentals are $110 for a half-day or $185 for a full day.

Shady Creek Marina
Shady Creek Marina (1000 NE Marina Road, El Dorado, 316-321-0943, shadycreek.com) is a well-equipped facility on the southeast side of El Dorado Lake. It offers all of your lake needs, including gas, bait, beer and concessions. The grill is open on weekends and serves a delicious breakfast. For a weekend-long stay, you can lease a slip for a night ($15 covered, $10 uncovered). You can also rent a pontoon boat for excursions.


PLAY FAIR
By our count, there are 34 golf courses within a 50-mile radius of Wichita. (Check thegolfcourses.net for details on the tapestry of courses in the region.) The focus here is on the local golf scene’s latest news, as well as a few steals.

Cherry Oaks (316-540-1133)
As if a day of golf isn’t enough incentive, Cherry Oaks in Cheney offers monthly specials. In May purchase a weekday greens fee and cart ($25), and you’ll get two free bags of range balls. If your round goes longer than four hours and 15 minutes in June, you’ll get a certificate for a free cart rental. And in July, Cherry Hills will help pay for the trip to Cheney by giving you a $5 Quick Trip gas card with a round of golf.

Cottonwood Hills (620-802-9150)
On June 23, Hutchison’s championship course plans to open nine additional holes. The finished version of Cottonwood Hills, designed by tour pro Nick Faldo, promises to be worth the wait. A 15-acre practice facility will include a driving range, practice green, chipping green and even a practice bunker.

Sand Creek Station (316-284-6161, sandcreekgolfclub.com)
The area’s newest course opened last summer in Newton and has already received national acclaim from GOLF Magazine and Golf Inc magazine. The $29 rate (with cart fee included) after 3 p.m. is a steal.

Terradyne (316-733-5851)
Terradyne offers “Stay & Play” packages—the only way to play Terradyne if you’re not a member or a guest, says club pro Greg Bray. When you stay at one of three hotels (Courtyard by Marriott at Old Town, Residence Inn at Plazzio and TownePlace Suites), the greens fees and cart cost $70. After a round, grab dinner at the new Palamino Grill in the clubhouse.


SWEAT THE FUN STUFF

Paintball
Frog Holler Paintball (9430 S. Bluff, Derby, 316-789-9991) is a paintballer’s heaven with 30 acres, including Hamburger Hill (the woods) and The Trenches (a speedball field). It’s only $20 for gear rental and admission.

Laser Tag
Choose your codename and prepare to fire at Laser Quest (2120 N. Woodlawn, 316-652-9500), a 10,000-square-foot, multi-level playground obscured with fog and lit with black lights and strobes. Players blast at target sensors on their opponents’ vests with laser guns. A 15-minute session is $7.50.

Ice Skating
If you need to cool off, head to the Wichita Ice Center (505 W. Maple, 316-337-9199). The air surrounding the 100-by-200 square foot public rink averages 50 degrees. It’s $6 for admission and $2 for skates. Two-Dollar Tuesdays (when admission only costs $2) are on the first Tuesday of each month. Families (of four members or more) can skate during public sessions for just $25.

Roller Skating
If you prefer wheels instead of blades, head to a nearby roller skating rink. The Carousel Skate Center (312 North West Street, 316-942-4505) is open on weekends. Saturday night specials include late-night skating (until 1 a.m.) on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Besides Skate East, (1836 S. Woodlawn, 316-685-5711) and Skate South Inc. (1900 E. McArthur, 316-524-7261), there’s also Roller City (3234 S. Meridian, 316-942-4555), where parents skate for free with their kids with a $5 skate rental on Sundays from 1:30-4 p.m.

YMCA
All seven YMCA locations in Greater Wichita offer gyms, classes and trainers. But a few branches offer extra summer perks. The West Branch (6940 Newell St., 316-942-2271) has Trazer, a virtual arcade game that allows you to move in sync with the game’s character. The North Branch (3330 N. Woodlawn, 316-858-9622) has a skate park, water park and 1,200-square foot climbing wall, while the Northwest Branch (13838 W. 21 St. North, 316-260-9622) has a water park and a 35-foot bouldering wall. And the South Branch (3405 S. Meridian, 316-942-5511) plans to open a water park in June and an indoor sports center in September. Visit ymcawichita.org for more information.

Run & Bike
Asthma Walk (316-687-3888, asthmawalk.org), on May 5, gives Wichitans a chance to raise money for the American Lung Association and fight a disease that kills 5,000 Americans each year. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. If you’d rather pedal than pound the pavement, Bike Across Kansas (316-283-7528, bak.org) is the ideal biking adventure. From June 9-16, pedal your way from Tribune to Elwood and enjoy the landscape during an endurance-driven vacation.


CRUISE CONTROL
Take a spin to get away from it all.

Summer is the perfect time for a leisurely drive. At the end of a long week, there’s nothing better than jumping in the car, cranking the tunes and leaving your cares far in the rearview mirror. When you’re looking for a quick summer escape, here are three fun road trips.

Oddities & Curiosities • 400 miles
The smiling, giant chimney sweep along I-135-North is a sign of things to come. At McPherson, stop at the McPherson Museum (620-241-8464), home of MGM’s Leo the Lion’s pelt, before continuing north on I-135 through Salina. Go west on I-70, then north on Hwy. 232 to Lucas. Here you’ll see perhaps the strangest site in Kansas—the Garden of Eden (785-525-6395), former home of the eccentric Samuel Dinsmoor. The bizarre attraction includes a sculpture garden in the yard and Dinsmoor’s corpse in a glass-sided coffin in the backyard. Once you’ve recovered from the strange sight, take Hwys. 281 and 24 to the infamous World’s Largest Ball of Twine (785-781-4713) in Cawker City. What roadside oddities trip would be complete without it? On the way home along  US-81, climb on rock formations at Rock City (785-392-3068) near Minneapolis, Kan., and grab a burger at Salina’s Cozy Inn (785-825-2699) along I-135 south.

Sunset on the Plains • 161 miles
To really appreciate the Kansas plains you have to see the land during sunset. Start east on Hwy. 54 in early evening, and veer north on Hwy. 177 at El Dorado. The scenic byway cuts across the Kansas plains, offering some of the most beautiful scenery around. At Cottonwood Falls, stroll through old-time shops in the downtown area. Then, grab a steak at the historic Grand Central Hotel (620-273-6763) before hopping onto US-50 and driving west. At Newton, take I-135 south back to Wichita.

Under the Stars • 113 miles
Take a spin beneath the stars. Leave around 2 p.m., and head west on Hwy. 96 to Hutchinson. Stop at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center (1-800-397-0330) and catch an afternoon screening at the Justice Planetarium. Then, grab an early dinner at the Anchor Inn (620-662-3100) before continuing south on Hwys. 96 and 17, and be prepared for plenty of stargazing as you head toward Lake Afton. Stop at Lake Afton Observatory (316-978-7827) between 9 and 11 p.m. to get a closer look at the heavens. Then, go east on Hwy. 54 and enjoy the lights of Wichita on your way into town.


LAZY STAYS

Feel like royalty during a night at Castle Inn Riverside (1155 N. River Blvd., 316-263-9300). The historic Campbell Castle, built in 1888, houses the inn. The Scottish citadel is an exact replica of a castle in Scotland and is fitted with handcrafted international imports that give it an elegant feel. The castle has 14 rooms with modern amenities where you can relax and rejuvenate. Rooms range from $125–$275 per night.

Inn at Willowbend (3939 Comotara St., 316-636-4032) is a hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts. During the day, hit the links at the members-only Willowbend Golf Club ($50 greens fee and $12.50 cart rental), just adjacent to the inn. Rooms range from $75–$159.

Red Barn Ostrich Farm Bed and Breakfast (6427 N. Greenwich Rd., 316-744-9800) isn’t your typical B & B. Here you can relax with nature. At dawn, watch 100 ostriches perform their “sunrise ballet,” when the birds stretch their wings up, twist, twirl and run. A one-night stay costs $75.

Serenity Bed and Breakfast (1825 W. Maple, 316-201-1120) is the quintessential B & B for lovers. Eat chocolate-dipped strawberries with a bottle of champagne while relaxing in a rose-petal bubble bath. Serenity also offers spa services, like massages and facials. A two-night package includes a bottle of champagne, a gourmet dinner, breakfast in bed, aromatherapy, a dozen roses and much more. Single-night stays cost $69–$159, but you can also order a customized package (from $199–$379).


MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR
New exhibits come to three Wichita museums.

Of course you can increase your culture intake on a monthly basis by strolling downtown during Final Fridays (316-462-2787, wichitaarts.com), but here are a few more ideas that might inspire you to create a new gizmo, dig for buried treasure or see the world as it was during the Great Depression.

From Milan to Tokyo to Wichita
The largest and most amazing collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts makes its American debut this summer starting at Exploration Place (316-263-3373, exploration.org) in an interactive exhibition.Through the magic of digitalized images, it will be possible for the first time ever to virtually flip through da Vinci’s 1,750 drawings and watch as his machines—everything from a catapult to a self-propelled car—take on a 3-D form. The exhibit marks the first time da Vinci’s inventions have been transformed into working 3-D models. Typically off-limits to the public, the original manuscript of the Codex Atlanticus is housed in the treasure room of the Ambrosiana Library in Milan, Italy. “Virtual Codex Atlanticus of Leonardo da Vinci” premiered in Milan, toured in Tokyo and will make its first stop on U.S. soil at Exploration Place from June 16 to Aug. 26.

The Photographer Behind the Writer
Eudora Welty may best be remembered as a short story and fiction writer, but she also captured life during the 1930s through the lens of a camera. While others documented the Depression through harsh reality, Welty’s images show the undying human spirit and capacity for hope. Revealing her ability to use images as sensitively as she used words, this provocative exhibition of Welty’s black-and-white photographs comes to the Wichita Art Museum (316-268-4921, wichitaartmuseum.org) from June 10 to September 30. Her images are juxtaposed with the work of notable artists and photographers of the period—namely, Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton, Dorothea Lange and Margaret Bourke-White (the first woman photojournalist to work during the 1930s). An interesting side-note is that Welty continued to shoot photographs until 1950, when she left her Rolleiflex on a bench in the Paris Metro. Angered by her own carelessness, she never replaced it. “Passionate Observer: Eudora Welty among Artists of the Thirties” was organized by the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Mississippi, and is traveling under the auspices of International Arts & Artists of Washington, D.C.

Big Ol’ Bad Boy
“Ivan,” the third-most complete T-Rex on record, will arrive at his permanent home at the Museum of World Treasures (316-263-1311, worldtreasures.org) on May 12, along with some of the smallest dinosaurs ever to roam the planet. Ivan is approximately 60 percent complete to date. (Only two more T-Rex dinosaurs are more complete: Sue at Chicago’s Field Museum, and Stan at the Black Hills Institute in Hill City, S.D.) Ivan will tower at an estimated 16 to 20 feet, making him one of the largest—and oldest—citizens of Wichita.


WINE A LITTLE, WINE A LOT
Here are a few interesting places where you can kick back and enjoy a glass (or more) of locally produced wine. Check out winesofkansas.com for a complete listing of Kansas wineries.

Smoky Hill Winery
Sure, you could buy a bottle of Smoky Hill Winery’s (866-225-2515, kansaswine.com) three new wines at Under the Cork in New Market Square. But nothing beats a trip north to the vineyards at Salina for a winemaker’s gourmet dinner ($49.95 per person). On Thursdays, drink and dine on the veranda until 9 p.m.

Holy-Field Winery
Basehor is a town of only 1,500 residents in northeast Kansas, but it’s also home to Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery (913-724-WINE, holyfieldwinery.com), the recipient of numerous domestic and international wine awards. May 20 is Mayfest, which starts the live jazz series ($5 cover charge). Although the first show of the season falls on a Sunday, there’s music every other Friday evening until July 27.

Somerset Ridge Winery
East of Ottawa in Kansas is a place called Somerset Ridge (913-491-0038, somerset-ridge.com). Its Ruby Red, Ruby Port, Chardonel, Ambrosia and Buffalo wines have won numerous awards. The winery, a 25-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, recently opened a new tasting room.

Dozier Winery
A renovated train depot, Dozier Winery (620-564-0195) in Ellinwood is rumored to be home to a ghostly bride awaiting her groom.
Wyldewood Cellars
Wyldewood Cellars Winery (316-554-9463) in Mulvane has claimed more than 130 wine awards.

Windswept Winery
Windswept Winery (620-782-3952) in Udall regularly hosts special events, such as wine pairing with cheese or chocolate. The owners hope to start offering winemakers’ dinners in the near future.


DINNER MUSIC
This summer, enjoy live music with delicious dining.

Great food just tastes better when accompanied with first-rate live music. No matter your taste (in music or cuisine), there’s a spot in Wichita where you can savor some tunes while pleasing your palate.

Adrian’s
Every evening is musical at Adrian’s (2121 N. Rock Rd., 316-681-1148). On Mondays, hear the acoustic stylings of two WSU students as they play flamenco music. Then, watch Trevor Stewart play the ethereal Chapman Stick on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays and Fridays, Gino Salerno plays acoustic guitar (with his daughter, Martina, accompanying him on mandolin on Fridays). Finally, Howard Glanton plays classical guitar on Saturdays.

Chelsea’s Bar and Grill
 Chelsea’s Bar and Grill (2949 N. Rock Rd., 316-636-1103) offers great music and eats. The restaurant, which resembles a casual but classy New York grill, hosts jazz music by Jerry Hahn on Fridays. There are other live jazz performances on Thursdays and Saturdays beginning around 7 p.m.

Larkspur
Larkspur Restaurant (904 E. Douglas Ave., 316-262-5275) serves up choice meats and imported seafood in an elegant environment. Local artists play jazz bass and piano on Friday and Saturday from 8-10 p.m.

Luciano’s
The short trip to Mulvane is worth it for a visit to Luciano’s (216 W. Main St., Mulvane, 316-777-0045), especially on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. That night, the authentic Italian restaurant offers live blues and flamenco music.

Oeno
Hear a jazz duo at Oeno (330 N. Mead, 316-440-5000, oenowine.com) on Mondays from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy the wine bar’s fine wines and scrumptious tapas while relaxing in style.

Wichita Marriott
The Wichita Marriott (9100 E. Corporate Hills Dr., 316-651-0333) is not only a fine place to spend a night, but also a great spot for breakfast or dinner with live music. At the Black Angus Grill on Saturdays from 5-8 p.m., hear Fred Ballard on piano. And on Sundays in the Cinnabar Café, enjoy the Fred Ballard Jazz Duo with brunch from 11a.m.-2 p.m.

CHILL OUT
Check out these 10 other dining hotspots for live music on summer evenings:

Avivo Brick Oven Pizzeria (2441 N. Maize Rd., 316-558-555) has tasty pizzas and jazz by Roberto Bernardinello on Thursdays from 6–9 p.m.

The Bean Scene (8606 W. 13th, Ste. 120, 316-729-0055, thebeanscene.net) brings out local bands and touring groups who play acoustical folk music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9 p.m.

Bella Luna (2132 N. Rock Rd. Ste. 107, 316-634-0008, bellalunacafe.com) offers Mediterranean cuisine and relaxing live music Thursday through  Saturdays from 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

Java Villa (7812 E. Harry, 316-683-5282 ) has great coffee and WiFi access. Plus, check out live Celtic music on Thursdays from 7–9 p.m.

Kwan Court (1443 N. Rock Rd., 316-634-1828) has Asian cuisine and live piano on Thursdays through Saturdays from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon–2 p.m.

Margarita’s Cantina (3109 E. Douglas, 316-682-2299) is home to The Lotus Band, which plays ’70s and ’80s dance music on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.

Piztros (1720 N. Webb Rd.,
316-634-2006, piztros.com) showcases different acoustic bands on Wednesdays from 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m., along with two-for-one drink specials.

Visit the Riverside Perk (1144 N. Bitting, 316- 264-6464) for acoustic folk and blues music on Fridays from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Try Taqueria el Paisa (2227 N. Arkansas, 316-838-0337) for authentic Mexican cuisine and Spanish acoustic guitar on Fridays and Saturdays from 6–10 p.m.

Two Brothers BBQ (8406 W. Central, 729.7755, twobrothersbbqkansas.com) has bluegrass and Johnny Cash tunes on Wednesdays at 5:30–8:30 p.m. The Front Porch Blues Band also plays on Saturdays.

SULTRY NIGHTS
Where to go when the sun sets.

Dinner Theater
Grab a bite to eat while getting in on the show. Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre (3207 E. Douglas, 316-681-1566, crownuptown.com) is still kickin’ after three decades with shows like “Oklahoma” through May 27 and “Clue: the Musical” from May 31-July 22. You can also enjoy buffet dinners and check out the children’s series. Mosley Street Melodrama (234 N. Mosley, 316-263-0222, mosleystreet.com) offers dramatic and satirical theater performances like “My Daze” through May 19 and “Gone With The Windwagon” from May 24-July 14. Or see “Peril in the Paddock” from July 19-September 8.

Music
Want to hear live music without spending a fortune on big-name concerts? See classical, jazz and operatic ensembles play in the Prairie Pines log barn during Chamber Music at the Barn (4055 N. Tyler Rd., Maize, 316-264-4622, cmatb.org). Concerts are held at 8 p.m. on June 6–8, June 20–22, July 5–7, July 18–20 and Aug. 1–3. If you prefer to sit beneath the stars, sit in the nearby flower garden and bring a basket of food and wine. The Wichita Symphony Orchestra (225 W. Douglas, Ste. 207, 316-267-7658, wso.org) showcases the Broadway Showstoppers Pops Concert on May 12 at 8 p.m., and the Twilight Pops Concert with R&B singer Patti Austin on May 19 at 8:30 p.m. Finally, visit Bradley Fair on June 2, when the Wichita Grand Opera (316-683-3444, wichitagrandopera.com) performs excerpts from the past season at 7-8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs for a free show, or buy a reserved seat from the box office ($30, $50 or $80). After the opera, dance to the sounds of the Boeing Jazz Band. Cibola (316-631-3700) will also host dinner with a great view of the performance from its patio for $150 per ticket.

Theatre
Although Wichita might lack the lights of Broadway, the city offers theater for everyone. Music Theatre of Wichita (225 W. Douglas, Ste. 202, 316-265-3253) performs a string of well-known, Broadway-style productions this summer, including “High School Musical” (June 13–17), “Cats” (June 27–July 1), “White Christmas” (July 11–15), “Damn Yankees” (July 25–29) and “Hairspray” (August 8–12). If you’d rather take a chance, visit Theatre on Consignment (134 N. Rock Island/709 Stackman Dr., 316-613-3385) and witness such experimental, locally written dramas as “Fat Pig” by Neil LaBute. Cabaret Old Town (412½ E. Douglas, 316-265-4400, cabaretoldtown.com) offers theater that’s more light-hearted. “Menopaus-A-Palooza!” runs through May 5. Finally, the Wichita Community Theatre (258 N. Fountain, 316-686-1282) stages “Auntie Mame” from May 31-June 16 and “Steel Magnolias” from July 19–August 4.

Films
Sure, you can see a summer blockbuster at a local theater. But what if you could lose yourself in a movie at a venue that complements the film? The atmospheric Orpheum Theatre (200 N. Broadway, Ste. 102, 316-263-0884, wichitaorpheum.com) plays classic movies on the final Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. This summer’s film series includes Smokey & The Bandit (May 31), Jaws (June 28), The Godfather (July 26) and Star Wars (August 30). The outdoor Starlight Drive-In (3900 S. Hydraulic, 316-524-2424, starlitefun.com) gives you the best cinematic bang for your buck, with double or triple features for $10 per carload. The historic Murdock Theatre (536 N. Broadway, 316-263-1665) at the 20th Century Center shows films you can’t see anywhere else in Wichita. The 500-seat theater includes a balcony, shuttered windows, original frescoes and impressive chandeliers. Check out murdocktheatre.com to find out about the latest shows.

COOL CONCERTS
May 1 — Gov’t Mule
The Cotillion (316-722-4201, thecotillion.com), 8 p.m.

May 5 — Dave Wickerham
Century II (316-733-0035, nyparamountwurlitzer.org), 7 p.m.

May 27 — Martina McBride
Kansas Coliseum (316-755-1243, kansascoliseum.com), 7:30 p.m.

June 21 — .38 special
The Cotillion (316-722-4201, thecotillion.com), 8 p.m.

June 27 — Gordon Lightfoot
Orpheum Theater (316-755-SEAT, selectaseat.com), 7: 30 p.m.